Representatives of Strathmore Development Company, joined by members of The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, were pleased to host a groundbreaking ceremony last month for Zaxby’s Chicken.

The restaurant is proving to be one of the most anticipated tenants that will occupy Riverview 14, a brand new 30-acre shopping and entertainment center located between the Gibsonton Walmart Supercenter and Interstate 75 in Riverview.

On track to open in time for 2016 holiday season, the site will be anchored by Riverview 14 GDX, a state of the art 14-screen movie theater, operated by Goodrich Quality Theaters based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The new entertainment, retail and restaurant development site is now showing clear signs nearing completion, ready for the groundbreaking and construction of Zaxby’s owned by Matthew Wortman and his wife, Cori. Once completed, the Gibsonton location will be the couple’s second as they also own and operate the Zaxby’s on State Road 60 in Valrico.

“We’re just glad to be a part of this project,” Matthew said during the groundbreaking of the new plaza about 10 months ago, adding that the opening of his first Zaxby’s location in Valrico nearly 12 years ago was well received by the community and that he can hardly wait for the opening of the new restaurant in Riverview.

Zaxby’s, which specializes in chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches and salads along with a variety of dipping sauces and dressings, will share space with confirmed fellow tenants including Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Little Caesars and a T-Mobile, to name a few.

Matthew started working part-time for the restaurant chain when he was taking college classes in Georgia, but thanks to a series of promotions has worked his way up to general manager, which eventually promoted him to opened his own Zaxby’s franchise.

Proud of the progress so far and anticipation of the grand opening of the theater and its neighbors, Strathmore Development Company Vice President, Terry Benton, spoke highly of the benefits of the project for the region.

“Thanks to its location the development is a welcomed addition to the Riverview and Gibsonton communities,” Benton said. For more information, visit www.zaxbys.com.